Food fests and night markets make for a summer of good eating

Los Angeles’ foodies are having a very busy summer. L.A. is swamped with food festivals and night markets this summer, offering locals a never-ending quest to find the latest and greatest.

Chinatown Summer Nights opened last week in the Central Plaza of Chinatown, bringing new life to the old town. The schedule changes every month, but there are entire nights of food trucks, contests, cooking demos, live music, KCRW DJs, beer gardens and more. In addition to being a great party, the festival commemorates Chinatown’s 75th year in the neighborhood, according to Los Angeles Magazine. Don Chow Tacos will be at the next Chinatown Summer Night on July 20. It’s a fusion food truck blending the best of Chinese and Mexican flavors, or in their words “Chino-meets-Latino.” Kung Pao Chicken Tacos, sweet ‘n’ smoky Chinese BBQ Pork Burritos and Chimales – meat-stuffed masa wrapped in corn husks and steamed are the popular treats.

Area code 626 has become a symbol of hip Asian American culture, and so is the 626 Night Market. The next night market is on July 6 and 7. In its first kickoff this summer, “some 160 food vendors were selling skewers of beef, lamb, shrimp, squid and spiraled potatoes, while others offered curry-dusted fish balls and stinky tofu. A flurry of performances and retail booths completed the evening bazaar — the biggest food event in the San Gabriel Valley,” the Los Angeles Times reports. Other highlights included a wasabi hot dog from Oishiidog and peanut rice cake from Cafe 18.

L.A.’s street food fans can keep eating at the Los Angeles Street Food Fest. “Now in its fourth year, the June 29 fest brings hidden gems and new concepts from all over the Southland to the Rose Bowl stadium for one massive day of feasting and drinking,” says the Huffington Post. It features more than 100 chefs, restaurants, trucks, carts, stands and bars, including Jonathan Gold favorites like Lazy Ox Canteen, Starry Kitchen and Guelaguetza. A Singha beer garden, an ice cream social and dessert area and a concert stage sounds like a place to be for Angeleno foodies. Tickets are $50, and $75 for VIP.